July 4, 2009 will be a date that Strikeforce heavyweight, Lavar Johnson (13-3) will never forget. During an Independence Day family reunion barbecue in Bakersfield, California, a cars strolls up to the private residence and opens fire, injuring four people, and killing one. Johnson was critically wounded, being shot twice; once in the abdomen, and once in the back. The details of Johnson's future were uncertain.

After successful surgery, Johnson was released from the hospital two weeks later to recover from his injuries. Now, nine months after the horrific incident, Johnson is ready for his return to the cage at the Strikeforce Challengers VII event in Fresno, California on March 26, 2010.

"My health is great and I'm almost back to where I was," said Johnson in a recent interview. "[The experience] made me realize how fragile life is and that every day I'm here is a blessing. It has also made me take MMA more seriously."

In Johnson's last outing, he defeated Carl Seumanutafa at Strikeforce Challengers Series I in a mere 18 seconds via KO in May. On March 26, he will be facing Lolohea Mahe (4-0-1) who is undefeated, but had a fight against The Ultimate Fighter 10 alumni, Scott Junk, which ended in a draw in 2009.

Also on the card will be Ron Humphrey (5-1) vs. George Bush III (5-1) at light heavyweight; Luke Stewart (6-2) vs. Andre Galvao (3-1) at welterweight; Zolia Frausto (4-0) vs. Miesha Tate at the women's 135 lb. division; Justin Wilcox (8-3) vs. Bryan Tavers (13-1) at lightweight; as well as other yet to-be-announced fights.

The live SHOWTIME telecast will begin at 11:45 p.m. ET/ PT (delayed on the west coast).

Tickets for the Strikeforce Challengers VII live event are priced from $30 and are on sale now at the Save Mart Center box office, select Save Mart Supermarkets, all Ticketmaster locations, and at Strikeforce's website (www.strikeforce.com).